Czech news in brief for June 15: Monday's top morning headlines

Tragic news this morning out of Croatia. A catamaran collision has claimed the lives of three Czech nationals. A heated debate on the presence of refugees in Czechia played out this weekend on air, and the new organ in Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral, among the most magnificent cathedral instruments in the world, will be blessed this afternoon.

It's going to be tropical out there this week: Can you spot the air-conditioned trams? Here is your morning mix.

Three Czech nationals died on Sunday near Split after a French-flagged sailboat collided with a commercial catamaran operating between the islands of Brač and Šolta. The sailboat, carrying eight Czech citizens, sank following the mid-day crash, prompting a massive rescue operation involving local vessels and a helicopter unit.

Four other Czech citizens were hospitalized in Split with non-serious injuries, and three are expected to be discharged shortly. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš confirmed that Croatian authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the tragedy.

Some perspective: Zeljko Kustera, director of the Port of Split, told media of the circumstances of the accident on Sunday: “In my 35-year career, I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Chamber of Deputies Speaker Tomio Okamura stated in a television debate that he would immediately end temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees if it were up to him. Civic Democrats chairman Martin Kupka condemned the remarks, noting that 175,000 of the 398,000 registered Ukrainians are working in key domestic sectors. Kupka also emphasised that the presence of these refugees gives Czechia an exemption from the EU migration pact relocation mechanism.

By the numbers: Czechia registered over 398,000 Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection as of February 2026. Approximately 6,000 new arrivals continue to enter the country each month, making it the highest recipient per capita in the European Union.

The average asking price for a premium country house in Czechia exceeded CZK seven million for the first time following an 11 percent year-on-year increase this spring. Real estate experts note that completed and planned highway extensions like the D6, D11, and D35 have driven up property prices near Prague by up to a fifth. Conversely, smaller unrenovated cottages in less accessible locations saw an 18 percent decline to an average of CZK 700,000.

For house hunters: Potential buyers will face stiff competition in premium areas like the Jizera Mountains, where properties sell quickly despite higher costs. Real estate agencies report that the average wait time for a cottage buyer is now three weeks longer than last year.

Foreign Minister and Motorist leader Petr Macinka sent a public birthday message to US President Donald Trump on Sunday to mark his 80th birthday. Macinka praised Trump's courage to challenge the existing order and defend national sovereignty, stating it inspired millions of patriots globally. The greeting also included a sarcastic remark wishing Trump's political opponents a steady supply of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

God bless him: The unconventional birthday wish concluded with the specific phrase "God bless you and God bless the American people."

A high-pressure system moving over Central Europe will bring sunny skies and an influx of exceptionally hot air to the Czech Republic this week. Temperatures will steadily climb throughout the work week, peaking over the weekend with afternoon highs forecast between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius across most regions.

What to expect: The intense heatwave will bring warm tropical nights where temperatures will stay above 20 degrees Celsius. Showers and severe thunderstorms are also expected to develop on Saturday afternoon and Sunday as a frontal system moves in.

A vital organ gets a blessing A ceremonial blessing for a new organ will take place today at 5 p.m. inside St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle. Thousands of donors raised over CZK 135 million for the instrument, which was built by Spanish master organist Gerhard Grenzing.

Metal legends close Czech fest Iron Maiden closed the sold-out 31st annual Rock for People music festival in Hradec Králové on Sunday in front of a crowd of 50,000 fans. The band performed hits like Fear of the Dark before entering a complete break from touring scheduled for 2027.

The Czech answer to the Silly Walk? Over 70 cyclists on vintage bicycles braved a heavy downpour on Saturday to complete the 21st annual Ride along the Jára Cimrman Cycle Path. Actor Zdeněk Svěrák, who turned 90 in March, welcomed the participants at the finish line at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Tanvald.